Synopsis

The Gypsies, originating from India, are a minority who have dispersed widely yet kept their own culture and language. However, they have always suffered discrimination and contempt, and so lamentation became naturally ingrained into Gypsy culture. *When the Road Bends* by Jasmin Dellal is a road movie, documenting 5 Romanian bands from Macedonia, Romania, India, and Spain who go on a 6-week US tour. Early on in their tour, they communicate awkwardly in Romani, Gypsy words, but gradually share each other’s music, dance, and food. Jasmin Dellal not only films their music tour but also visits their hometown. Through the ‘wedding and funeral’, the core of Gypsy music, she captures their life and lamentations, especially the funeral of violinist Taraf de Haidouks who died during filming and the tale of vocalist Esma Redzepova who adopted 47 children. You will find the burning passion of the Gypsy Caravan on their European tour more sensational than the Buena Vista Social Club.

Director

Jasmin Dellal

Jasmin Dellal gained attention for directing, producing, scripting, and editing the documentary *American Gypsies: Strangers in Their Own Land*. She studied French and Spanish at Oxford University and Journalism at UC Berkeley. While at UC Berkeley, she won a student Emmy Award for *In His Image*, a documentary about a homeless photographer. She has also worked on films like *Black is Black Ain't* by Marlon Riggs.